This is the week that epitomizes the above.
Hospitals - Dengue for Zul and Fino. Baby girl for Kent. Ennie's mum, bro and sister met with minor accident yesterday.
Airports - Ishida to Aussie. Ennie to Sarawak. Mama to Ho Chi Minh. Chong and Goh to Taipei.
I haven't run since 10K last Sunday, then pulled a 3K yesterday. Didn't sweat enough and didn't push myself harder. Today, feeling a bit of difficulty to breath.
Oh, and just wanted to share... Looking back at the list of things to do (drafted last year) - I actually achieved 3 of it! Wall climbing? Check. Wide water? Check. Run? Check.
Next thing I should pursue - learn a classical by heart. What else if not Chopin :)
Be positive, be happy, be healthy!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Of Attaining a Resolution
About two months, now? Yes. Haven't blogged.
All time devoted to work? Yes. And today is different.
Got a lot of free time? Apparently. It's a dark and rainy Monday morning, and I've just returned from a 5-day break. From Wednesday last week.
Unexpected? Yes.
Good news? Plenty. *smile*
1. The Work
Since most of the team members are out, except me and Rena, of course. I'm a bit off track trying to catch up with what I've left last week. YS and Ali are all in the mood of leaving, really, their last day is this Wednesday, so there's nothing much I can do with them. So, here I am, blogging. Haha. I bet they can see from the reflection of my window I'm blogging. Who cares. I am happy.
2. The Break
Took Mama and Aleef to Cameron Highlands. Stayed at Equatorial for 3D-2N. Relaxing and fulfilling. Thing I enjoyed most? Long hot baths!
3. The Run
Have been training for about 2.5 weeks to participate in a 10K run. Larian Perpaduan Merdeka.
Quoted from: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/18/nation/22110351&sec=nation
Over 7,000 take part in Merdeka Unity Run
By AUDREY EDWARDS
KUALA LUMPUR: Droves of Malaysians passed up the chance of sleeping in and instead turned up bright and early at Dataran Merdeka to take part in the inaugural Merdeka Unity Run.
They gathered before 7am yesterday and were seen warming up for the run in groups while others did morning aerobics with an instructor at the main stage.
More than 7,000 people took part in the run organised by the Unity Committee of the Merdeka celebrations chaired by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.
And while many were revved up to start their run, the rest took photographs and tried and get a closer glimpse of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Carnival-like atmosphere: Participants having fun on the main stage after finishing the Merdeka Unity Run at Dataran Merdeka Sunday.
Abdullah flagged off the race, which was divided into three categories – 10km, 5km and the fun run.
Joining him on the podium were his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Dr Ng, National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed.
The Prime Minister and VIPs also visited booths that had been set up on the sprawling field and the crowd, including families, friends, students, the disabled and single mothers, checked out the various activities at the community carnival held for them.
This included free health screenings, stage performances, aero dancing (a type of aerobics) and colouring contests which, Dr Ng told reporters, were events that brought people together.
She said having a category where people of various ethnic groups entered as teams was to embrace the fact that while they were still Malaysians, one could not deny ethnic lines of division.
Wheelchair-bound former safety officer Karthigesan Eswara, 41, who took part in the 3km fun run, said the event would foster unity among Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Fiona Zuzartee, 20, beat 15 other finalists to win the Fitness Round of the 9th National Miss MalaysiaIndian Global (MMIGlobal) pageant at the run.
Zuzartee, of Indian-Portuguese parentage, completed the 5km run in 39.02 minutes.
Following hot on her heels was medical student Sowmya Krishnan, 20, in 39.12 minutes.
Law student Keshreena Kaur Sidhu, 20, finished third in 43.32 minutes.
And me?
Ran with Fahimi and Yot. But Yot was far ahead from us.
We both completed the 10K - non-stop - at approximately 90 minutes.
The route? From Dataran Merdeka - Jln Tun Ismail - Bulatan Duta - Pass Tennis Stadium - Into Jln Duta - Up the ramp in front of Parliament - Jln Tugu - Back to Dataran Merdeka.
This goes down the books. Why? Cause I actually achieved one of my (two-years-old) new year's resolution! And, I actually thought to SMS Rizal. But then, I did a Re-Thought. Ha.
So next on the map - 20K run. Talk about ambitious.
However, this training and running has given me a new me. I feel good, light and crushy (again).
This time, the crush could potentially be more rational. It feels to be two-sided, and probably not as a long shot as the one before. I feel better in the mind too. And I feel a bit more confident than I did few months back.
4. The 17th
Yesterday, 17th August marked a few events - A Run, A TV Appearance and A Birthday.
Enough said for the first marked item.
Renny debuted as a newscaster on Bernama yesterday at 10.30 am. She looked beautiful, and so professional. I'm so happy for her. Hello, celebrity in the family!
It was Jan's birthday yesterday. We had a "surprise" party for her at our house, and had her fiancee come over too.
5. The New Family Member
Tessa gave birth to a baby boy, on 15 August at 8.15 am. Nice.
6. The Prediction
When I was training for the run, I had a vision that someone would probably need some sort of help during my run.
I was running with Fahimi on 15 Aug, at Kota Damansara, when a biker in distress called for our help. He ran across the road to help out this guy to restart his bike. Then, we continued running. Another round later, we stumbled this same guy at the spot where Fahimi help restart the bike. He was actually waiting for us. Why?
He had gone to buy some drinks for us. A token for helping us out.
Our reaction? Pleasantly surprised. There's still some good in this world. Subhanallah.
7. Nifsu Syabaan
Came the night before the run :)
8. The Masters
Still haven't got a channel to finance my accepted course at UQ, to do MSc International Econs & Finance. STILL working on it, after about 1 YEAR ALREADY!
Aaaaaandddd.. guess what? Ok, don't guess cause I'm telling.
Ishida will be going to UQ to pursue her PhD. When? This Saturday. Sigh. Talk about making a hoo-haa about things. Then I read the quote from Dina Zaman again. Keep it close to the heart, girl, keep it CLOSED. Mental note to me - repeat over and over and over and over.
So yeah, she's going, fully sponsored, and I'm still here. The best part about it is - I don't feel so bad! I know there's a reason I'm still going to be here for quite some time. Aaaaaannnddd.. it could be because of the 20K. It just could be :)
Oh, did I tell that Ennie is preggie? Nice.
Oh, did I tell that Dz is married? Nice.
Oh, did I tell that this running thing started when I participated for 5K walk last month? Guess I didn't, did I?
Oh, maybe I should say that the training started when we went to catch X-Files at Mid Valley. Lame movie. Good excuse.
And another Oh, I've started making music again.
And another another Oh, keep a watch for a company possibly called Right-On-Track.
And another another another Oh, I bought myself a new watch. Which, to think of it, I've never ever bought myself a proper watch. But I did it last weekend.
Encapsulating the past two months? Done.
Way forward? More positive energy to be exerted and much more to be garnered.
Be happy and be healthy!
*OMG, forgot to mention that I was down with food poisoining after consuming maggie goreng at a gerai in Titiwangsa. What a traumatic experience. I'm banning maggie goreng from my palate 10 years from now!
Be healthy! :)
All time devoted to work? Yes. And today is different.
Got a lot of free time? Apparently. It's a dark and rainy Monday morning, and I've just returned from a 5-day break. From Wednesday last week.
Unexpected? Yes.
Good news? Plenty. *smile*
1. The Work
Since most of the team members are out, except me and Rena, of course. I'm a bit off track trying to catch up with what I've left last week. YS and Ali are all in the mood of leaving, really, their last day is this Wednesday, so there's nothing much I can do with them. So, here I am, blogging. Haha. I bet they can see from the reflection of my window I'm blogging. Who cares. I am happy.
2. The Break
Took Mama and Aleef to Cameron Highlands. Stayed at Equatorial for 3D-2N. Relaxing and fulfilling. Thing I enjoyed most? Long hot baths!
3. The Run
Have been training for about 2.5 weeks to participate in a 10K run. Larian Perpaduan Merdeka.
Quoted from: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/18/nation/22110351&sec=nation
Over 7,000 take part in Merdeka Unity Run
By AUDREY EDWARDS
KUALA LUMPUR: Droves of Malaysians passed up the chance of sleeping in and instead turned up bright and early at Dataran Merdeka to take part in the inaugural Merdeka Unity Run.
They gathered before 7am yesterday and were seen warming up for the run in groups while others did morning aerobics with an instructor at the main stage.
More than 7,000 people took part in the run organised by the Unity Committee of the Merdeka celebrations chaired by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.
And while many were revved up to start their run, the rest took photographs and tried and get a closer glimpse of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Carnival-like atmosphere: Participants having fun on the main stage after finishing the Merdeka Unity Run at Dataran Merdeka Sunday.
Abdullah flagged off the race, which was divided into three categories – 10km, 5km and the fun run.
Joining him on the podium were his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Dr Ng, National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed.
The Prime Minister and VIPs also visited booths that had been set up on the sprawling field and the crowd, including families, friends, students, the disabled and single mothers, checked out the various activities at the community carnival held for them.
This included free health screenings, stage performances, aero dancing (a type of aerobics) and colouring contests which, Dr Ng told reporters, were events that brought people together.
She said having a category where people of various ethnic groups entered as teams was to embrace the fact that while they were still Malaysians, one could not deny ethnic lines of division.
Wheelchair-bound former safety officer Karthigesan Eswara, 41, who took part in the 3km fun run, said the event would foster unity among Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Fiona Zuzartee, 20, beat 15 other finalists to win the Fitness Round of the 9th National Miss MalaysiaIndian Global (MMIGlobal) pageant at the run.
Zuzartee, of Indian-Portuguese parentage, completed the 5km run in 39.02 minutes.
Following hot on her heels was medical student Sowmya Krishnan, 20, in 39.12 minutes.
Law student Keshreena Kaur Sidhu, 20, finished third in 43.32 minutes.
And me?
Ran with Fahimi and Yot. But Yot was far ahead from us.
We both completed the 10K - non-stop - at approximately 90 minutes.
The route? From Dataran Merdeka - Jln Tun Ismail - Bulatan Duta - Pass Tennis Stadium - Into Jln Duta - Up the ramp in front of Parliament - Jln Tugu - Back to Dataran Merdeka.
This goes down the books. Why? Cause I actually achieved one of my (two-years-old) new year's resolution! And, I actually thought to SMS Rizal. But then, I did a Re-Thought. Ha.
So next on the map - 20K run. Talk about ambitious.
However, this training and running has given me a new me. I feel good, light and crushy (again).
This time, the crush could potentially be more rational. It feels to be two-sided, and probably not as a long shot as the one before. I feel better in the mind too. And I feel a bit more confident than I did few months back.
4. The 17th
Yesterday, 17th August marked a few events - A Run, A TV Appearance and A Birthday.
Enough said for the first marked item.
Renny debuted as a newscaster on Bernama yesterday at 10.30 am. She looked beautiful, and so professional. I'm so happy for her. Hello, celebrity in the family!
It was Jan's birthday yesterday. We had a "surprise" party for her at our house, and had her fiancee come over too.
5. The New Family Member
Tessa gave birth to a baby boy, on 15 August at 8.15 am. Nice.
6. The Prediction
When I was training for the run, I had a vision that someone would probably need some sort of help during my run.
I was running with Fahimi on 15 Aug, at Kota Damansara, when a biker in distress called for our help. He ran across the road to help out this guy to restart his bike. Then, we continued running. Another round later, we stumbled this same guy at the spot where Fahimi help restart the bike. He was actually waiting for us. Why?
He had gone to buy some drinks for us. A token for helping us out.
Our reaction? Pleasantly surprised. There's still some good in this world. Subhanallah.
7. Nifsu Syabaan
Came the night before the run :)
8. The Masters
Still haven't got a channel to finance my accepted course at UQ, to do MSc International Econs & Finance. STILL working on it, after about 1 YEAR ALREADY!
Aaaaaandddd.. guess what? Ok, don't guess cause I'm telling.
Ishida will be going to UQ to pursue her PhD. When? This Saturday. Sigh. Talk about making a hoo-haa about things. Then I read the quote from Dina Zaman again. Keep it close to the heart, girl, keep it CLOSED. Mental note to me - repeat over and over and over and over.
So yeah, she's going, fully sponsored, and I'm still here. The best part about it is - I don't feel so bad! I know there's a reason I'm still going to be here for quite some time. Aaaaaannnddd.. it could be because of the 20K. It just could be :)
Oh, did I tell that Ennie is preggie? Nice.
Oh, did I tell that Dz is married? Nice.
Oh, did I tell that this running thing started when I participated for 5K walk last month? Guess I didn't, did I?
Oh, maybe I should say that the training started when we went to catch X-Files at Mid Valley. Lame movie. Good excuse.
And another Oh, I've started making music again.
And another another Oh, keep a watch for a company possibly called Right-On-Track.
And another another another Oh, I bought myself a new watch. Which, to think of it, I've never ever bought myself a proper watch. But I did it last weekend.
Encapsulating the past two months? Done.
Way forward? More positive energy to be exerted and much more to be garnered.
Be happy and be healthy!
*OMG, forgot to mention that I was down with food poisoining after consuming maggie goreng at a gerai in Titiwangsa. What a traumatic experience. I'm banning maggie goreng from my palate 10 years from now!
Be healthy! :)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Of Looking for God
When your desire becomes the grave of your secret,
the desire of yours will be gained more quickly.
The Prophet said that anyone
who keeps his inmost thought
will soon attain the object of his desire.
When seeds are buried in the earth,
their inward secrets become the flourishing garden.
(The Six Faced Mirror, Mathnawi I, 175-177)
- quoted from I Am Muslim by Dina Zaman, 2007
My current favourite book.
It's funny and pin-points my unconscious inner thoughts. Things I've thought about, currently thinking and currently practising are encapsulated in the book. I absolutely, absolutely adore it.
It helps that I used to read Dina's Dalca regularly in the newspaper when I was a teenager. Dina's humour and spontaneous style bookmarked in my head. Brings back memories when I was staying with Mak and Bak.
The reason I'm noting this down today, is because of what happened yesterday. Apart from the VERY unexpected turmoil that turned up at the office yesterday, I was happy juggling thoughts in my head. Of a very unexpected, prolonged crush. How juvenile. But yes, I liked it, it made me happy so what the hell.
And the words from the poem kept ringing in my head (although I couldn't get it word for word) the first two lines were enough for me to get the gist. I won't tell anyone, although I very much wanted to share about this crush of mine with Sarip last weekend. Who else better to tell, than the most quiet one in the bunch?
Now, I'm really glad I have a blog! Pour it out gal!
Ok, no names. But, wouldn't hurt to give him a nick name, a-la Carrie Bradshaw, with Mr. Big.
Hmmm.. his will be.. uhmm.. Mr. Loud? No, too brash.
Mr. Confidence? Perhaps.
Mr. South? Cause he's based in the southern region? Southie? Hahaha.. that's along the lines of R-E-S, ie: Saudi vs Southie
Mr. Coo? Ooooohh.. nice.. cause he's the C.O.O?
Ok, let's settle on Mr. Coo? Hey, now that looks like a Chinese name lah pulak.
Ok, ok, Mr. South.
Alright, Mr. South is this high positioned singleton (is that even a proper word?) who reeks confidence and very gung-ho (quoting my boss), and is oh, plump (but that's ok cause he's confident) with a voice so loud, that it beats me and/or Renny.
His birthday is 2 days away from mine (Libra, as I am) but 7 years apart. I'm not sure why I'm so crushy about him, but I am. Ok, I think it's the confidence portion.
I don't want to give away so much about him, cause God forbid anyone I know stumbles upon this blog!
Yesterday, in an effort (or so-called) to catch his attention (hey, it's my first time ever to make any first move, or SO-CALLED) - I emailed a two liner to him. Only him. No CC to no one.
Then, he replied. A one-liner. And I got all excited about it. Sheesh, me and cheap thrills.
My question is, has it been so long, that it only takes a one-line email, or do I REALLY have a super-major crush on this one?
Beats me. The answers will be revealed when I read this again, few years (or months) down the line. But as of this moment, the one-liner was enough to run my endorphins from 3.17pm yesterday until 6.11 pm.
So, to Mr. South, if he ever finds out (or not) of this mushy-crushy, thank you for indicting my endorphins for this past few months.
And, to Dina Zaman, thank you for highlighting that poem at just the right time in my life. *smile*
the desire of yours will be gained more quickly.
The Prophet said that anyone
who keeps his inmost thought
will soon attain the object of his desire.
When seeds are buried in the earth,
their inward secrets become the flourishing garden.
(The Six Faced Mirror, Mathnawi I, 175-177)
- quoted from I Am Muslim by Dina Zaman, 2007
My current favourite book.
It's funny and pin-points my unconscious inner thoughts. Things I've thought about, currently thinking and currently practising are encapsulated in the book. I absolutely, absolutely adore it.
It helps that I used to read Dina's Dalca regularly in the newspaper when I was a teenager. Dina's humour and spontaneous style bookmarked in my head. Brings back memories when I was staying with Mak and Bak.
The reason I'm noting this down today, is because of what happened yesterday. Apart from the VERY unexpected turmoil that turned up at the office yesterday, I was happy juggling thoughts in my head. Of a very unexpected, prolonged crush. How juvenile. But yes, I liked it, it made me happy so what the hell.
And the words from the poem kept ringing in my head (although I couldn't get it word for word) the first two lines were enough for me to get the gist. I won't tell anyone, although I very much wanted to share about this crush of mine with Sarip last weekend. Who else better to tell, than the most quiet one in the bunch?
Now, I'm really glad I have a blog! Pour it out gal!
Ok, no names. But, wouldn't hurt to give him a nick name, a-la Carrie Bradshaw, with Mr. Big.
Hmmm.. his will be.. uhmm.. Mr. Loud? No, too brash.
Mr. Confidence? Perhaps.
Mr. South? Cause he's based in the southern region? Southie? Hahaha.. that's along the lines of R-E-S, ie: Saudi vs Southie
Mr. Coo? Ooooohh.. nice.. cause he's the C.O.O?
Ok, let's settle on Mr. Coo? Hey, now that looks like a Chinese name lah pulak.
Ok, ok, Mr. South.
Alright, Mr. South is this high positioned singleton (is that even a proper word?) who reeks confidence and very gung-ho (quoting my boss), and is oh, plump (but that's ok cause he's confident) with a voice so loud, that it beats me and/or Renny.
His birthday is 2 days away from mine (Libra, as I am) but 7 years apart. I'm not sure why I'm so crushy about him, but I am. Ok, I think it's the confidence portion.
I don't want to give away so much about him, cause God forbid anyone I know stumbles upon this blog!
Yesterday, in an effort (or so-called) to catch his attention (hey, it's my first time ever to make any first move, or SO-CALLED) - I emailed a two liner to him. Only him. No CC to no one.
Then, he replied. A one-liner. And I got all excited about it. Sheesh, me and cheap thrills.
My question is, has it been so long, that it only takes a one-line email, or do I REALLY have a super-major crush on this one?
Beats me. The answers will be revealed when I read this again, few years (or months) down the line. But as of this moment, the one-liner was enough to run my endorphins from 3.17pm yesterday until 6.11 pm.
So, to Mr. South, if he ever finds out (or not) of this mushy-crushy, thank you for indicting my endorphins for this past few months.
And, to Dina Zaman, thank you for highlighting that poem at just the right time in my life. *smile*
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Of Emotions
May, 2008 - The Month of Emotions
A lot of mixed feelings the past few weeks. Newborns, deaths, marriage, heartbreakes, crushes, you name it we got it.
We've got friends delivering happy news of starting a new life, be it a new partner or addition to the family. Always makes me wonder when I'll be given the opportunity to start mine.
And today, I suddenly feel overwhelmed with a crushy feeling. It's totally absurd but I can't help it. It's inducing a lot of endorphins. Maybe because I'm lagged of sleep. Or maybe a little tired. Or maybe adjusting to the fact that my work load is not so loading.
Then, I was thinking about Papa and Aunty. The drama episode that got us all angered and disapppointed, and provoked our female tear-glands. Oh, my composition is so cold and unstructured.
All these in between sudden news of the departed loved ones. Makes us reflect on how Allah works His ways to wake us up when we're busy chasing worldly matters.
Today is a Friday, the day I was born and possibly the day I will die.
Before I do, I really hope I will get the chance to raise a family, if not for long, but enough to let my parents see their grandchildren, and enough for me to know that I can raise my children at least half as good as my parents raised us.
Everyday has been a mixture of feeling like a child, like a teenager, like a parent, like an elderly and I am so thankful to be able to taste if not much, a bit of all this.
And, yes, I have crushes. :)
A lot of mixed feelings the past few weeks. Newborns, deaths, marriage, heartbreakes, crushes, you name it we got it.
We've got friends delivering happy news of starting a new life, be it a new partner or addition to the family. Always makes me wonder when I'll be given the opportunity to start mine.
And today, I suddenly feel overwhelmed with a crushy feeling. It's totally absurd but I can't help it. It's inducing a lot of endorphins. Maybe because I'm lagged of sleep. Or maybe a little tired. Or maybe adjusting to the fact that my work load is not so loading.
Then, I was thinking about Papa and Aunty. The drama episode that got us all angered and disapppointed, and provoked our female tear-glands. Oh, my composition is so cold and unstructured.
All these in between sudden news of the departed loved ones. Makes us reflect on how Allah works His ways to wake us up when we're busy chasing worldly matters.
Today is a Friday, the day I was born and possibly the day I will die.
Before I do, I really hope I will get the chance to raise a family, if not for long, but enough to let my parents see their grandchildren, and enough for me to know that I can raise my children at least half as good as my parents raised us.
Everyday has been a mixture of feeling like a child, like a teenager, like a parent, like an elderly and I am so thankful to be able to taste if not much, a bit of all this.
And, yes, I have crushes. :)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Of Sakura Season
Hey! That's a note going high, mind you.
Who would have guessed - that I'd be saying that I've just gotten back from Tokyo, Kobe and Osaka? No one!
Well, blessings, blessings, blessings just come rolling in when you least expect it eh?
It was for work, and had to go with Suzuki-san, En. Arif and Kheng - don't want to complain cause at least I got to go to the land of the rising sun, eh! The bonus was - SAKURA SEASON! We were lucky to have gone at a time it was just about blossoming - and it is known that the cherry blossoms only show their beauty for a short period. A metaphore the Japs use to compare with female beauty. Short lived, so enjoy it while you can!
So here goes, our chronicles through the short (but memorable) 5-day trip...
24 March 2008
Still had to come to office to prepare the items to be brought to Japan.
Left at about 3pm - brought Kheng home (Kota Damansara).
Mama sent us to airport at about 7.30pm.
Boarded JAL about 11pm, couldn't sleep the whole trip. Well, managed to catch only a few winks and the rest of the time was like... blink.blink.blink. Was trying too hard maybe, because the next day we had a meeting and I was supposed to present! Sigh.
Makan nasi with fish ala-jepun-with fruits and yoghurt for dessert. It rhymes!
Loved the JAL crackers. Funny smelling but addictive.
25 March 2008
Who would have guessed - that I'd be saying that I've just gotten back from Tokyo, Kobe and Osaka? No one!
Well, blessings, blessings, blessings just come rolling in when you least expect it eh?
It was for work, and had to go with Suzuki-san, En. Arif and Kheng - don't want to complain cause at least I got to go to the land of the rising sun, eh! The bonus was - SAKURA SEASON! We were lucky to have gone at a time it was just about blossoming - and it is known that the cherry blossoms only show their beauty for a short period. A metaphore the Japs use to compare with female beauty. Short lived, so enjoy it while you can!
So here goes, our chronicles through the short (but memorable) 5-day trip...
24 March 2008
Still had to come to office to prepare the items to be brought to Japan.
Left at about 3pm - brought Kheng home (Kota Damansara).
Mama sent us to airport at about 7.30pm.
Boarded JAL about 11pm, couldn't sleep the whole trip. Well, managed to catch only a few winks and the rest of the time was like... blink.blink.blink. Was trying too hard maybe, because the next day we had a meeting and I was supposed to present! Sigh.
Makan nasi with fish ala-jepun-with fruits and yoghurt for dessert. It rhymes!
Loved the JAL crackers. Funny smelling but addictive.
25 March 2008
Arrived at Narita Airport, approximately 6.30 am (KL) 7.30 am (Tokyo). Had a hard time with a-so-heavy hand luggage sebab ada laptop in it. And a much heavier pull-luggage. Envied those Japs with their oh-so-small-chic-four-wheeled-colorful-luggages. Its amazing how these people pack!
Before me and En. Arif had the opportunity to dash for a quick ciggie, we were spotted by the fresh faced Suzuki. "Welcome to Japan!" All smiles.
Had a quick coffee before we spiraled our way down to wait for the train to town. Took about an hour, if I remember correctly. I gave myself about 10 minutes to simmer the view of morning mist surrounding the outskirt township before dozing off all the way. Penat.
Change trains. Suzuki was as confused as we were. He's not familiar with Tokyo.
Change trains again. Then we're in Shinagawa. Cool breeze greeted as we exited the escalator. And across the road was Hearton Hotel, Shinagawa.
First sighting of white cherry blossom. Three trees. All white. Kawaii!
Parked our bags in ss's room before heading out to train station again. To Shinjuku.
Didn't get to go to Harajuku, ss unsure of the way. But we went to Takano- famous fruit parlour. Had strawberry parfait that costed RM60! But it was super-delicious. It'd be super-duper delicious if only I could eat ice-cream :(
Then, walked to Isetan. Caught display of new Jaguar. Saw white Bentley. Took pictures of flowers on the roadside, pansies and daisies mostly. I love spring.
Went back to Shinagawa. Walked to Jusco. Bought packed lunch. Taco tao and tempura.
To hotel, checked in, took shower, prayed, didn't get to eat, headed out to KYB.
KYB
Took a taxi (with a drive recorder installed!) and took picture. People on overhead bridge crossing. Massive volume. All dressed in black.
Arrived at World Trade Center. KYB on 12 Floor. Aoki-san greeted us.
Later joined by massive team - Dr. Inoue, Murase, Fukuda, Yagi and Stephanie.
I presented our solution. Discussion on future product and possible partnership.
KYB requested discussion to be continued the next day. Adjourned. We were left to wait in meeting room.
Looked outside window. Saw a big ferris wheel. Below was the bullet train station. A park with blooms.
Walked to a restaurant nearby. Didn't catch the name. Small and cosy and had water feature. Had a cubicle.
Dinner started off with snail, baby squid and fish jelly. Had sashimi. And pan-fried fish. Soba and udon. Black sugar cane jelly - my favourite! Group photo.
Took a taxi back to the hotel. Had a ciggie. Called the night off.
26 March 2008
Woke up at 6 but it was too late to catch Subuh. The sun was already high up.
Took time to shower. Enjoyed the warm, automatic bidet toilet seat. Nice smelling Shiseido body wash.
Had overnight-untouched-taco taos. Still tasted swell although I sorta gulped cause I thought we were running late. Went downstairs and ss was already waiting.
Crossed the road. Sakura bloom progresses on 3 trees. Took train heading out to Yokohama. More sakura sightings along the way. Orange trees in full fruit. White, light and dark pink sakuras. Love!
Arrived in Yamato for KYB factory visit. Across the station saw a florist. Very nice but didnt get to stop by. Took cab to KYB plant.
Sakura lined along the streets. Videod them.
Meeting and assembly line visit. More discussions. Getting sleepy. Went to assembly line. Saw where the test stabilizers for Shinkanzen (bullet train). Took more pictures. Adjourn. Took cab back to train station.
Back to hotel. Relax a tiny weeny bit before heading out again. Sakura progresses still. Nice.
Train to Shibuya. Ahhh.. the real buzz. Neons and frantic and fashionable fashionistas and jammed up road crossings. Refer: Tokyo Drift. Been there! Been there!
Had tempura for lunch. Nice. Went to Shibuya 109. Whole 9 storeys of clothes, shoes, bags, you-name-it-we-got-it fashion store. Only had half an hour to scout = no time! Thank god the items were quite pricy to turn us off. Spent some time at 'smorking' area. Heh.
Headed back to Tokyo. Kuwahara was waiting for us. The train station with many, many, many, many, fast-walking, black-suited working Japs. Shinagawa station? Uhmm... dunno the name. Sometimes, it's too confusing coz everything's in their language.
Had coffee at NYK cafe. Nice toilet, with perfume and sound panel on toilet seat.
Had dinner at Hokkaido restaurant. Kuwahara, Sasaki and Akama. Sashimi - sea urchin, jelly octopus, jelly fish, scallop simmered in butter, miso soup, which lasted us about 3 hours. Pumpkin pudding. Love their desserts, I tell you!
Went to Tokyo Tower. Sasaki got us girls phone accessories, the dangle2 ones? Yup. Super kawaii. Took vids and pics.
Went to Ginza. Saw Sony building. Tulips by the roadside.
Ok.. continuation from this point on could be a bit lagging. The lines above were written about a month ago! The trip was almost two months back. Here I am, May 17, 1.30 am at home, on a Saturday, forcing myself not to sleep cause its a long weekend, and brain-dead.
Sigh. Let's pray we remember. Here goes.
Tokyo Tower, Ginza, after the sightseeing, we went back to the hotel via train. The night was not so cold, but I was dying for a cig. Hmmm.. What did we do that night.. Packed up I guess. Then went to sleep.
27 March, Thursday
Morning meeting at Drive Camera. Took cab, enjoyed the morning view of the metropolis starting to buzz. Walked passed a park, full of sakura trees at medium bloom. Black suits with ciggies before work starts.
The office was small and hectic. I did presentation and SS translated. We were in casual clothes. Tuna sandwich and coffee for breakfast on meeting table. Long Q&A session cause it had to be translated to Chinese to Kheng then English to me. When it was all done, we took cab to Tokyo Station. Put our bags in locker then walked to Imperial Palace Garden. Very beautiful. Sakura in full bloom. Weather was not so cold. I noticed that the traffic didn't make any noise. Very sound environment friendly.
Then walked back to building at Tokyo station. Had lunch at soba place. Had tempura soba. Touched cherry blossom. Said our goodbyes to Kuwahara and Akama.
Shinkansen to Osaka. Saw Mt Fuji. But not its snow capped top. The weather was quite cloudy and could only catch a fragment of it. But I saw it, nonetheless.
Two hour train ride. Switched to the new series, N700 which brought us to "Old Osaka". Took cab, headed to Kobe Meriken Park. Very, very, very nice hotel. Each of us got our own room. With our balcony. Facing Kobe Port Tower, and Kobe hills and the marine park. Had a few minutes to freshen up then went out for dinner.
Took bus to Kobe town. Went to Sogo. Bought few cookies as souvenirs. Met Hasegawa san for dinner. Tempura set. Very brief dinner.
Heard jazz baskers opposite the complex. Walked the town. Hasegawa entertained us to a club. It was more like an apartment with GROs to talk with us. Its a norm in Jap business to entertain clients as such. It was not a pleasant experience, but it was a part of the culture we witnessed. Had white choc coated strawberries. And SS boasted to all that I was a singer before. Sigh.
Went back to hotel. Relieve. Saw "Regends of Rock" which played The Beatles to my sleep.
28 March, Friday
Morning train to Osaka. Had breakfast at train station - pumpkin salad and rolls. Went to Osaka YWCA college. My supposed 'interview'. The lady there only had to interview SS. I was to re-write my letter and re-fill application form. SS to take it back there in May. The place reeks of cold faith and icy old maids. Im scared.
Walked through the morning streets just about opening. What has opened, however, are the Pachinko shops. Scary too.
Went to electronic shop. Nine fucking floors of Jap technology. And we only had 30 fucking minutes. I-pod, buy or not to? Buy or not to? Please laugh - I bought headphones instead. Sigh.
Train back to Kobe. Stopped by for packed lunch. Settled for unagi and loads of fish roe. Gobbled through and prepared to go out for another meet.
Train to Furuno. Taxi ride, drive camera on board. Cute engineer guy at Furuno. Not such a wholesome meeting. But the cute guy was worth it. Camelias by the roadside. Sun was almost down. Train back to hotel.
Bus to town. Had Korean BBQ dinner. Kimchi was good. By the time we were done, the shops were all closed. Dashed were our hopes to go souvenir hunting. We thought shops were still open until 10 or 11, but at 9 everything was wrapped except game shops, cafes and clubs. SS wanted to take me out for Kobe jazz but En. Arif was not up to it. So, SS took us to game shop instead. The men played, and won me a stuffed rabbit doll. Went to pharmacy. Eye lash curlers as souvenirs. What to do..
Went back hotel. Went to Sky bar. Had kerepek pisang. Had chat then we all went back to room, waiting for the day we'd go back home. Tomorrow.
29 March, Saturday
All packed up. Bags were damn heavy. Took bus to Kansai airport. Slept on bus. Had breakfast at airport. Only after, we were unleashed to get what ever we could from the airport souvenir shops. At 12, SS left us and we went to check in.
We were almost late cause the queue was so long. En. Arif was quite upset cause he didnt manage to buy anything. He wanted to buy stuff after the immigration check in, but time didnt permit. Was quiet all the way back on the plane.
This time, I think, I could sleep. Watched a bit of a few movies, ate a lot JAL crackers, but missed out on the Hershey choc ice cream. Transit in Singapore. Bought perfume. Flight back to KL. Me and Kheng teamed up and selected few itsy bitsy items to give En. Arif's daughters. That was all we could do.
So, I guess that was it. It was not so exciting, but not so bland. Until now, I still don't quite get what I felt from that trip. But I feel a bit relieved that I got it all out here. And it's almost 2 am, and we've got swimming tomorrow morning.
Maybe I'll post more tomorrow then. :)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Of Leaving a Will
Not so sad, not so happy either. But almost on a right track. Not losing focus so much. Still a bit blur, but not depressed. Better, alhamdulilah.
So, it's a Friday. Got most work out of the way (unless related to contacting my clients), it's 8.00 pm after a heavy downpour, definitely congested, and thank God I'm just stealing some time to wait for tennis to come at 9.
I have been wanting to do this a long time. I did it before-on a piece of paper, which could tragically be in some long forgotten book. So, might as well have it here. It's a responsibility, regardless.
I was born on a Friday morning. And, according to most people (I'm not so sure about this), you would probably die on the same day you were born. So it's a Friday today. There's a possibility that I could die today. And my will says:
" I don't have much to leave. Virtually, nothing of real worldly value. What I have garnered in this (short, long? is relative) life is hoped to have been of good impact to others. As I am now unattached, my real commitment is my family. I put forth my parents and my siblings. My prayers everyday are dedicated to them. And though at times I may appear to be harsh, my intents are not so. So, I have only my love to pass on to them - for all of you, my dear family! (uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, the whole gang!)
Then I pray that when I go, they will love and say a prayer for me too.
I thank them for all the pictures they have carved in my memories, for giving me colours and hope and motivation to have lead a great life. And I hope to meet them again in the afterlife.
And to friends and acquaintances, you are always a part of me. Shaping and moulding the way I was. And I pray for the best always for you.
This is not a very good will, I am lost for words.
My point being, if I ever hurt anyone, owed anyone anything, please accept my sincerest apologies and (since I am still alive right now, I hope to repay any hutang!) And, (not that I'm anticipating) please don't weep. I don't think I've had any regrets living my life. Mistakes - yes, sins - yes, and I pray that to get God's forgiveness before He takes me. I may not live a full life (comparatively) but I lived it mine. And I have each of you to thank, forever, and love, forever.
My last goodbye. "
So, it's a Friday. Got most work out of the way (unless related to contacting my clients), it's 8.00 pm after a heavy downpour, definitely congested, and thank God I'm just stealing some time to wait for tennis to come at 9.
I have been wanting to do this a long time. I did it before-on a piece of paper, which could tragically be in some long forgotten book. So, might as well have it here. It's a responsibility, regardless.
I was born on a Friday morning. And, according to most people (I'm not so sure about this), you would probably die on the same day you were born. So it's a Friday today. There's a possibility that I could die today. And my will says:
" I don't have much to leave. Virtually, nothing of real worldly value. What I have garnered in this (short, long? is relative) life is hoped to have been of good impact to others. As I am now unattached, my real commitment is my family. I put forth my parents and my siblings. My prayers everyday are dedicated to them. And though at times I may appear to be harsh, my intents are not so. So, I have only my love to pass on to them - for all of you, my dear family! (uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, the whole gang!)
Then I pray that when I go, they will love and say a prayer for me too.
I thank them for all the pictures they have carved in my memories, for giving me colours and hope and motivation to have lead a great life. And I hope to meet them again in the afterlife.
And to friends and acquaintances, you are always a part of me. Shaping and moulding the way I was. And I pray for the best always for you.
This is not a very good will, I am lost for words.
My point being, if I ever hurt anyone, owed anyone anything, please accept my sincerest apologies and (since I am still alive right now, I hope to repay any hutang!) And, (not that I'm anticipating) please don't weep. I don't think I've had any regrets living my life. Mistakes - yes, sins - yes, and I pray that to get God's forgiveness before He takes me. I may not live a full life (comparatively) but I lived it mine. And I have each of you to thank, forever, and love, forever.
My last goodbye. "
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